Volvo S60 Engine Mount: Specs, Fitment & Common Faults
On the S60, the right-side hydraulic mount is genuinely a documented, frequent failure point on this platform — plus a warning against cheap solid rubber aftermarket mounts, and a six-month misdiagnosis account.
Illustration for editorial purposes
OEM Part Numbers
The Part That Quietly Absorbs Everything
Engine mounts do a genuinely thankless job — holding a violently vibrating engine in place while isolating that vibration from the cabin — and when they wear out, the change is often gradual enough that owners adjust to it without realising something's actually wrong.
What It Does
Engine mounts secure the engine and transmission to the chassis while absorbing vibration and movement, preventing that vibration from transferring directly into the cabin. Most versions of the S60 use several mounts working together — typically at least one on each side of the engine plus a torque mount — and a single failed mount can throw off the whole assembly's balance.
Fitment & Compatibility
Mount design and positioning differ between engine sizes and transmission types (manual versus automatic) of the S60. Always confirm the exact mounts fitted to your specific engine and transmission combination before ordering, since manual and automatic versions often use different mount designs even on the same engine. Whether you're sourcing a replacement engine mount for your Volvo S60 from a dealer, specialist, or online marketplace, always check compatibility against your registration or VIN before buying, and confirm you're ordering the correct side — driver's side (RH in the UK) or passenger side (LH in the UK) — since these are not interchangeable.
Common Faults
Symptoms of Failure
- Noticeable vibration through the cabin, especially at idle — often the earliest and clearest sign of a worn mount.
- Clunking noise when accelerating or braking — points to a mount no longer properly restraining engine movement.
- Visible engine movement when revving in neutral — a worn or broken mount can allow far more movement than normal.
- Increased noise, especially over bumps — a failing mount can let the engine knock against surrounding components.
DIY Replacement Difficulty
This is a moderate-to-difficult DIY job depending on which mount needs replacing — some are easily accessible, while others require supporting the engine's weight with a jack or hoist while the mount is removed and replaced. Getting this step wrong risks damage to the engine or surrounding components. Expect 1–3 hours depending on which mount and how accessible it is on your specific engine layout.
A Genuinely Specific, Real Failure Point Worth Checking First
If you're facing excessive vibration at idle or a clunk when shifting into gear, this is genuinely worth knowing: on this platform, the right-side hydraulic engine mount is a documented, frequent failure point, worth inspecting first for leaks or visible cracks. It's genuinely worth knowing that while technically still drivable with a failed mount, continued driving isn't recommended, since excessive engine movement can risk damage to surrounding coolant hoses, wiring, and the exhaust system.
It's also genuinely worth knowing an honest, alarming account: one documented case saw two separate specialists both conclude a persistent noise was a bad wheel bearing or failing transmission, with the wheel bearing replaced — yet the noise continued for a further six months before finally being correctly traced to a broken engine mount.
OEM vs. Aftermarket
Reputable aftermarket engine mounts are generally a safe, cost-effective alternative to OEM parts, provided they match your exact engine and transmission specification. This is one area where cheap, poorly designed mounts can genuinely accelerate wear on adjacent components, so it's worth choosing an established brand over the very cheapest option available.
More Volvo Engine Mount Guides
The same part, covered across other Volvo models.